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MERIDIA is a short-term drug that helps you to start losing weight and then keep on going when you are ready to carry on, on your own. Your body starts to build up a resistance to the effects of MERIDIA after a few weeks of treatment, which
When you are taking Meridia, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Moclobemide (e.g., Manerex)¡XTaking moclobemide and M
eridia together or less than 3 days apart may increase the chance of developing serious unwanted effects, including the serotonin syndrome, and is not recommended
- Meperidine (e.g., Demerol) or
- Nefazodone (e.g., Serzone) or
- Pentazocine (e.g., Talwin) or
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (citalopram [e.g., Celexa], fluoxetine [e.g., Prozac], fluvoxamine [e.g., Luvox
], paroxetine [e.g., Paxil], sertraline [e.g., Zoloft]) or
- Street drugs (LSD, MDMA [e.g., ecstasy], marijuana) or
- Sumatriptan (e.g., Imitrex)
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Side Effects of This Medicine
Dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability, back pain, stomach upset or constipation may occur the first few days as you body adjusts to the medication. Stop MERIDIA if you experience; rash, hives, seizur
es, worsening of vision, decreased amount of urine or unusual bleeding or bruising. Stop MERIDIA immediately if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity; excitement, restlessn
ess, loss of consciousness, confusion, agitation, weakness, shivering, clumsiness or unsteadiness, fast heartbeat, large-unchanging pupils, vomiting, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain
s, swelling of feet/ankles or legs, fainting, disorientation, depression, high fever, eye pain, tremor or increased sweating.
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Why is this medication prescribed?
Meridia is used, in combination with diet and exercise, to help you lose weight. It works by decreasing your appetite.
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Cautions
Meridia may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or poor judgment. Be sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery, or do other things that could be dangerous if you are no
t alert and able to think clearly.
Meridia may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. Howeve
r, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth deca
y, gum disease, and fungus infections.
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Proper Use of This Medicine
The recommended starting dose of MERIDIA is 10-milligrams administered once daily with or without food. If there is inadequate weight loss, the dose may be titrated after 4 weeks to a total of 15-mill
igrams taken once daily. The 5-milligram dose should be reserved for those patients that do not tolerate the 10-milligram dose. Blood pressure and heart rate changes should betaken into consideration
when making decisions regarding dose titration. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not take it more often or longer than directed. Use in combination with other appetite suppressant medicine is ge
nerally not recommended.
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